Topical Bible: Confidence: Betrayed: Eglon, by Ehud

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative found in the Book of Judges, the account of Eglon, king of Moab, and his betrayal by Ehud, a judge of Israel, serves as a poignant example of misplaced confidence leading to downfall. This account is situated during a tumultuous period in Israel's history, characterized by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance.

Background

Eglon, the king of Moab, had gained power over Israel with the assistance of the Ammonites and Amalekites. This coalition oppressed the Israelites for eighteen years, as a consequence of Israel's disobedience to God. The Israelites, in their distress, cried out to the Lord for deliverance.

The Betrayal

God raised up Ehud, a left-handed man from the tribe of Benjamin, to deliver Israel. Ehud's left-handedness is a significant detail, as it played a crucial role in his ability to deceive and ultimately assassinate Eglon. Ehud was chosen to deliver a tribute to Eglon, which provided him the opportunity to execute his plan.

Judges 3:16-17 states, "Now Ehud had made for himself a double-edged sword a cubit long, which he strapped to his right thigh under his clothing. And he brought the tribute to Eglon king of Moab, who was an extremely fat man."

Eglon, confident in his position and the apparent submission of Israel, received Ehud without suspicion. After presenting the tribute, Ehud requested a private audience with the king, claiming to have a secret message for him. Eglon's confidence in his security led him to dismiss his attendants, leaving him alone with Ehud.

Judges 3:20-21 recounts the pivotal moment: "Ehud then approached him while he was sitting alone in the cool upper room and said, 'I have a message from God for you.' As the king rose from his seat, Ehud reached with his left hand, drew the sword from his right thigh, and plunged it into Eglon’s belly."

Aftermath

Ehud's successful assassination of Eglon led to a rallying of the Israelites, who seized the opportunity to overthrow their oppressors. Judges 3:28-30 describes the ensuing victory: "Follow me, for the LORD has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand. So they followed him down and took control of the fords of the Jordan leading to Moab; they allowed no one to cross over. At that time they struck down about ten thousand Moabites, all vigorous and strong; not a single man escaped. So Moab was subdued under the hand of Israel that day, and the land had peace for eighty years."

Analysis

Eglon's misplaced confidence in his security and the apparent submission of Israel led to his downfall. This narrative illustrates the dangers of overconfidence and the vulnerability that comes with underestimating one's adversaries. It also highlights the sovereignty of God in delivering His people through unexpected means and unlikely individuals. Ehud's cunning and bravery, empowered by divine appointment, brought about a significant victory for Israel, demonstrating that true confidence should be placed in the Lord rather than in human strength or security.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 3:15-23
But when the children of Israel cried to the LORD, the LORD raised them up a deliverer, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a man left handed: and by him the children of Israel sent a present to Eglon the king of Moab.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and presenting himself before the palace of Eglon in the ... tells us that, after the
time of Ehud, the land ... followers: he managed to gain the confidence of the ...
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